- The history of Buddhism
- The key themes and belief systems (the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, Mahayana, nirvana and more)
- Ways of integrating Buddhist principles and philosophy into the everyday
- The organizing notions and overarching thesis of Buddhism: to live fully aware in the moment, to see things as they truly are, and to recognize yourself as part of the whole
- Buddhism's relevance today
Buddhism for Beginners then completes this introduction to meditation and mindful moments by offering simple exercises, practices and prompts reflective and supportive of the Buddhist teachings and tenets laid out in the volume, including filling- and clearing-the-mind meditations, performing acts of compassion and inner-peace and conflict-resolution exercises. An essential purchase for people looking to integrate Buddhist principles into their lives or for those seeking a more meaningful, mindful or meditative path.